I understand Toyota has been using this type of system for several years.
John
<snip>
Valeo Steering Integrated Hydraulic Fan System Boosts Overall Vehicle
Performance
Valeo, a supplier of automotive motors and actuators, has introduced a new
steering system-integrated,
hydraulically driven engine cooling fan system (HDFS) that improves fuel
economy, air conditioning
performance and towing capacities, while reducing engine compartment
operating temperatures. The industry
has long known that hydraulic systems can meet all cooling fan needs.
However, these systems were
previously too costly and heavy for practical application. By integrating
the HDFS with the power steering
pump, the Valeo design eliminates the cost, weight and parasitic losses of a
separate hydraulic circuit with its
own pump. In the Valeo design, a common pump powers both the fan and the
hydraulic assist to the power
steering system. A dual displacement motor drives the fan and efficiently
transfers power levels greater than
10 horsepower from the pump. The maximum air moving power is 20 to 30 times
higher than is typically
available from electrically driven fans. This gives the engine cooling
system a cushion of safety for long, heavy
towing. HDFS also allows much better heat dissipation for the air
conditioning condenser. This results in
improved air conditioning performance in comparison to traditional
engine-driven fan systems. HDFS also
temporarily reduces fan power draw during rapid vehicle acceleration. The
system is currently being used in
the 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Source: Valeo Company Press Release
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